IPTE Modifications to be Complete on B747 in October, B777 Start Moves to February 2010

Modifications of the 24 aircraft in our Boeing 747 fleet to the new International Premium Travel Experience (IPTE) configuration remain on track to be completed in October 2009. However, work on the Boeing 777 fleet is being moved back a few months to start in February 2010.
While our International Premium Travel Experience (IPTE) aircraft continue to double our customer satisfaction scores, and the modifications continue to progress well, the B777 program is more complex than the B767 and B747 programs, given the three different B777 sub-fleets. In addition, we are facing a challenging year due to the global recession, changing market demand and increasing fuel prices.

The decision to postpone the start of the work also allows us to better control our costs in 2009, helping us maintain a stronger cash flow through the historical trough period of the fourth quarter.

We are developing a revised aircraft modification schedule, so it is too early to say when the full B777 modifications will be complete until we work out those details. We will expedite the modification work in the most cost-effective manner possible, but in the meantime, the 46 B777s in our fleet represent some of our newest aircraft, which serve our international travelers well.

We completed IPTE modification work on the B767 fleet of 21 aircraft in May

Finally the completion of the 744 modifications.
For what it is worth, at least it shows that management is attempting to be responsible regarding expenditures.
Any upcoming announcements on fleet purchases?

Quoting United1 (Reply 6):Cosmetic refresh in Y on the 763/744, (new bulkheads, carpeting, seat covers) and swapping the CRTs out for LCDs on the 744. The 777 will have new seats and updated larger PTVs in Y.

Is there still absolutely no chance of getting PTV's in coach on the 744?

Sorry but I feel the 744 will be retired before they ever get PTVs, as any such project would have a long ROI period as it would involve the installation of all new seats besides all the electronics.
Also dont forget the weight issue, which in many ways is what primarily has kepted PTVs off the 744 fleet to date.

Yeah, no, this was their final refurbishment of the 744 fleet. They probably will not touch the aircraft again, other than maintenance. They are good for another 8 years or so, until A350-1000 or 773ER version 2.0.

I really hope UA does not eliminate the 777 plan entirely. From the schedule of this whole thing, it has always looked like they were not really sure they would have the money to do the 777. Sounds like they are postponing that decision.

Does the 767 upgrade include fixing the overhead bins or is the problem still going to be there for the international and domestic 763s? The smallest overhead bins -- will the international birds are getting fixed and domestic will still be small?

I was on UA a couple weeks ago between SIN and IAH. The new business product on the 744's is great - especially the lay-flat seats -- really world class in the comfort department. The selection for AVOD is a bit limited, but nice to have it on-demand now as opposed to a stream of looping movies. I hope they make the upgrades to the 777's soon -- there is really no comparison between UA's old int'l business class and the new product.

United 777 fleet is the most important since it serves both the 744 and 767 markets, it also is the biggest in number of planes. They should fix the lomgest range 777 first. Its best UA take the opportunity with the recession to fix their most important international airplane, there is less demand and less pressure on the fleet for the upgrades.